Shores of the Adriatic - From Malta

Itinerary Overview

Set sail from Valletta to Venice on a 9-day Mediterranean and Adriatic journey aboard Le Bougainville. This itinerary combines historic coastal cities, scenic island landscapes, UNESCO-listed old towns, and beautiful Adriatic ports across Malta, Sicily, Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia.

The voyage begins in Malta before continuing to Sicily and the Italian region of Puglia. From there, the route heads north through Montenegro’s dramatic Bay of Kotor and along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, visiting islands, medieval towns, national parks, and seaside cities before arriving in Venice.

Day 1: Valletta, Malta

Begin the journey in Valletta, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital. Guests embark in a city known for its historic fortifications, grand churches, elegant streets, and scenic harbour views. The ship departs in the evening.

Day 2: Taormina, Sicily

Arrive in Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal towns. Highlights include its medieval centre, elevated sea views, boutique atmosphere, and the famous Greco-Roman theatre overlooking the coastline.

Day 3: Otranto, Italy

Continue to Otranto in Puglia, a charming seaside town on the heel of Italy. Guests can explore its old centre, medieval ramparts, historic cathedral, and relaxed Salento atmosphere.

Day 4: Bay of Kotor and Kotor, Montenegro

Sail through the Bay of Kotor, a dramatic fjord-like landscape surrounded by limestone cliffs, historic villages, and small islands. The day continues in Kotor, a UNESCO-listed medieval town known for its old walls, narrow streets, squares, and mountain backdrop.

Day 5: Mljet and Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visit Mljet, an unspoilt Croatian island known for its national park, forests, saltwater lakes, and peaceful natural scenery. Later, continue to Dubrovnik, one of the Adriatic’s most iconic walled cities, famous for its old town, ramparts, stone architecture, and maritime heritage.

Day 6: Hvar, Croatia

Spend the day in Hvar, a sunny Dalmatian island known for clear blue waters, hidden coves, historic port towns, and nearby island scenery. Guests can explore Hvar Town, enjoy coastal views, or discover the island’s cultural and natural highlights.

Day 7: Primošten and Split, Croatia

Start the day in Primošten, a picturesque coastal town with stone streets, beaches, vineyards, and Adriatic views. In the afternoon, continue to Split, a lively historic city built around Diocletian’s Palace, with a waterfront promenade, old town lanes, and access to nearby natural attractions.

Day 8: Rab, Croatia

Visit Rab, an island in the Kvarner Gulf known for its varied landscapes, pine forests, sandy beaches, cliffs, and historic town skyline with its distinctive bell towers.

Day 9: Venice, Italy

The journey concludes in Venice, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Guests arrive in the morning and can discover the canals, St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, historic palaces, churches, and the atmosphere of the Venetian lagoon.

INCLUDED SERVICES DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF CRUISE/SHIP

Included activities may vary depending on the type of exploration:

Timeless Voyages:

One included excursion? per person, per day, and per port, led by local guides (monument visits, local product tastings, etc.)

Discovery Voyages:

One included activity per person, per day, and per port, which may be either an included excursion? led by local guides or an included activity supervised by naturalist guides

Expedition Voyages:

One included activity per person, per day, and per port, supervised by naturalist guides (hiking, Zodiac outings, etc.)

Exclusive stopovers with limited or no infrastructure will be offered for self-exploration. Passengers will thus be free to explore the area and enjoy independent activities (beach swimming, shopping, dining, shows, etc.)

Lectures by our naturalist guides or destination experts (excluding Sea Voyages) Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Le Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, subject to weather and safety conditions, local authorizations, and the Captain's approval National park and protected area fees

Accompaniment by a team of naturalist guides only on Expedition and Discovery cruises; on land or, depending on the destination, during Zodiac outings and/or landings